2018 Can-Am Defender MAX HD8 Unveiled

Lucas Cooney
by Lucas Cooney
New Can-Am Defender MAX XT Cab also introduced


BRP added a new member to the Can-Am Defender family with the new 2018 Can-Am Defender MAX HD8.

This is what BRP calls a market point-of-entry model. It comes in with a retail price of $12,399 without giving up the features found on the other Defender MAX models.

What makes the Can-Am Defender MAX HD8 different is its HD8 V-Twin engine that produces 50 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque. Like its bigger siblings, the engine of the Defender MAX HD8 is paired with the PRO-TORQ transmission, which features a Quick Response System (QRS) that is designed to enhance low-speed riding.

2018 Can-Am Defender MAX HD8 XT

2018 Can-Am Defender MAX HD8 XT

The double A-arm front suspension and TTA-HD rear suspension provide 10-in. of suspension travel. A selectable 2WD / 4WD with Visco-Lok auto-locking front differential provides added control. Other features include 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires wrapped around painted black cast-aluminum wheels and VERSA-PRO front and rear bench seating.

The 2018 Can-Am Defender MAX HD8 is available in base trim ($12,399), DPS ($14,699) and XT ($17,199)


Can-Am Defender MAX XT Cab HD10
2018 Can-Am Defender MAX XT Cab Working

2018 Can-Am Defender MAX XT Cab Intense Red

For four-season drivers, BRP added the new Can-Am Defender MAX XT Cab HD10 to the Defender lineup.

This model features a premium full cab enclosure from the factory, which includes a full glass windshield, wiper/washer kit, full doors with electric windows (front) and hinged windors (rear), hard roof with liner, interior dome light, and sliding rear glass window.

2018 Can-Am Defender MAX XT Cab Mossy Oak Break Up Country Camo

2018 Can-Am Defender MAX XT Cab Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo

Another addition to the MAX XT CAB is new arched front A-arms that are designed to increase the vehicle’s track width and allow for increased ground clearance. As well, BRP says a new front sway bar improves handling.

The 2018 Can-Am Defender MAX XT Cab is available in Intense Red ($25,999) and Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo ($26,099).

Lucas Cooney
Lucas Cooney

I have been working exclusively in digital media since 1997. I started out with TSN.ca, spending nearly nine years creating and editing content on Canada's leading sports website. I left to join VerticalScope, Inc., one of the world's largest online publishers, to start a number of powersports publications. While at VerticalScope, I've helped create and oversee content for a wide variety of different publications, including ATV.com, Off-Road.com, ArcheryTalk.com, Tractor.com, RVGuide.com, and many more.

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